A limestone monolith with an oval opening, prehistoric archaeological sites and historic mills give Courgenay Ju a rich and varied character. There are also marked hiking trails and natural areas. You can plan your stay around your interests: take time to explore culture and history, or focus on landscapes and outdoor activities.
Archaeological traces from the Stone Age to the Roman period
La Pierre Percée stands at the edge of Courgenay, on the road toward Porrentruy, beside the cantonal road. The limestone monolith is about 2.50 metres high and 2.30 metres wide, with an oval opening measuring 35 by 41 centimetres. It forms the facing slab of a dolmen, a collective burial chamber probably built around 3000 BC. Its dimensions and opening make this stone tomb a tangible point of reference for anyone interested in archaeological evidence.
Derrière-Monterri, on Mont-Terri near Courtemautruy, spans a different range of periods. The site includes finds from prehistoric and protohistoric eras, from the Neolithic to the end of the Roman period; its historical development extends through the Middle Ages to the beginning of the modern era. The Gaulish oppidum contains pottery fragments, coins and iron objects. Excavations in 1984 also uncovered a Roman village and traces from the Bronze and Stone Ages dating back to around 4000 BC. Together, these are evidence of several different periods, not just one historical phase.
Chapels, art and the history of mills
The chapels offer a different perspective. Vacherie-Mouillard is in the municipality of Courgenay, toward Chainions, and is dedicated to Notre-Dame des Ermites. It replaced an earlier oratory and was restored as a small rural shrine. The names Jeanne and Amélie, and the years 1886 and 1888, appear on its bell. The Chapel of St-Eloi is dedicated to Saint Eligius, the patron saint of goldsmiths and blacksmiths, and to Notre-Dame de Lourdes. After being rebuilt in 1843, it was consecrated on 15 June of that year. A late Gothic sculptural group dating to around 1530 depicts the Coronation of the Virgin Mary.
Water wheels also tell the story of technological history. The restored Roue du Martinet preserves the wheel of an 18th-century forge, once fed by a pond higher up. The Moulin de Paplemont dates from 1691: its vertical water wheel is supplied by a wooden channel. With a diameter of 9.60 metres, it is considered one of the largest in Switzerland. The two sites represent different forms of historic water power.
The Hotel de la Gare is also part of the architectural heritage. It was established on 30 March 1877, shortly after the railway line from Delémont to Porrentruy was extended. It received a special award for the impressive restoration of the building and its interior, as well as its continued use for its original purpose. On the main floor, the hotel preserves historic rooms, as well as a restaurant and a large hall once used by Gilberte de Courgenay. Her name is associated with Courgenay; she was a Swiss waitress who became an idol among soldiers. Check the opening arrangements for the historic rooms before visiting.
Hikes, trails and nature
Almost 40 kilometres of marked hiking trails offer ways to explore Courgenay and its landscapes. The botanical trail runs between the Grottes de Saint-Nicolas and the Cabane des Echos. The caves, close to Courgenay, lie in steep green cliffs; their large chambers are set in a forest landscape with an almost tropical feel. The Combe Vatelin, between Courgenay and Fontenais, offers a different landscape, with stately oak trees and flowering meadows.
If you are planning a longer hike, you can follow the “Dans la forêt de Derrière le Château” route. It connects Courgenay railway station with Saint-Ursanne railway station and takes more than four hours on foot. The duration is an estimate and may vary depending on conditions; check the trail conditions before setting out as well. For shorter excursions, the marked trails and botanical trail offer other options, without a specific walking time being given.
Le Martinet in Courgenay (Courtemautruy) is a nature reserve with ponds, streams, wooded banks, pastures and wet meadows. It is also a nationally significant amphibian breeding site. The described route there is by train to Courgenay railway station, by bus to the Courgenay Haut du village stop, and then on foot. Check the current timetable before travelling. For cyclists, the Route du Jura passes through Courgenay railway station; e-bikers can then climb to the Col de la Croix, gaining around 300 metres in elevation. Three approved mountain-bike routes are also designated for Courgenay.
Where to stay in Courgenay Ju
The Chambres d'hĂ´tes - Moulin de Paplemont bed and breakfast offers two guest suites, accommodating up to 11 people in total. If this accommodation suits your plans, check availability before booking. Direct trains stop in Courgenay. When planning, you can therefore take into account both the rail connection and your different interests in archaeology, cultural heritage, hiking trails and nature.
Discover more destinations: Ocourt, Courchavon, Beurnevésin, Coeuve, Seleute, Vendlincourt, Porrentruy, Rocourt Ju.
See the broader travel overview: Porrentruy.
